I now feel as though our ever changing world has it's origins rooted on an island in the North Atlantic. Stark naked nature is what you will find in Iceland. Geysers, lava fields, northern lights, waterfalls, geothermal spas, volcanoes, mountains, rushing rivers, lakes, volcanic craters, caves, the meeting of two tectonic plates (North America and Europe) and massive glaciers make up this must experience destination. My reason for heading to Iceland was to see the Northern Lights. My reason for wanting to make a return visit is ten fold that.

I was naive to think that the northern lights were the be all and end all of Iceland. The northern lights are simply a feather in the country cap. Stepping inside all that Iceland has to offer opened my eyes to a vigorous and vibrant Mother Nature whose grasp on this earth is a vulnerable yet tight one.

In traversing the southern coast (by car), from Reykjavik to Hof (golden circle too), I feel we were able to capture the essence of Iceland. Dotted with many highlight reel experiences it would be hard to single out any one in particular. However, the glacier lagoon did knock my travel experience socks off. Venturing from the car we made our way across the black beach to the edge of the North Atlantic. I was amazed to see rolling waves carrying chucks of ice to shore. The black beach was speckled with naturally formed ice scultures. Where one would expect to see sea shells we were seeing ice. Further inland seals swam freely in amongst the masssive and not so massive ice bergs. Deceptively far off in the distance loomed the tongue of the frozen glacier. Powerful winds enhanced the already daunting scene of frigid water and ice. As darkness set in, the sounds of the evening became increasingly present. Nature had the upper hand and we respected its omnipresence.

If you are planning a visit to the southern part of the country I would recommend you experience: Thingvellir National Park, Geysir, Gullfoss, Secret Lagoon, the Black Beach and the Glacier Lagoon. I did not spend much time in Reykjavik. I say to that, 'until we meet again Iceland'.

After a brief stay in line we entered the Galleria dell’ Accademia. The natural direction to start our tour was to go straight. I knew David was left. My wait had been 12 years to see David again. Going straight was not an option. I would circle back. Rounding the corner, at the end of the long open hallway, there he was. In all his glory David emotionally and physically dominated the space. Wanting to savour the moments of my visit, I did not rush up to the statue. I took my time as I took in his presence. At just 26 years old Michelangelo skillfully created a statue which quite naturally exudes promise, power and protection. This 17 foot tall, 12,478 pound marble statue somehow presents a softness of acceptance. A grand combination of humility and confidence, strength and youthful beauty.

David never ceases to amaze me. His effect on me is an oddity I may never fully understand. I spent a good amount of time staying within the aura of him. I toured the rest of the museum with half hearted interest. It was David I wanted to see again. Seeing a replica does not elicit much from me except to remind me of time I have spent in the Galleria dell' Accademia admiring the original.

As I left the museum a sadness struck me. The feeling took me by surprise. I believe it came from a place of not knowing if I would ever return.